What are the main barriers preventing broader use of Gilead's Yeztugo HIV prevention injection in the U.S.?

The main barriers include insurance coverage gaps—particularly when Yeztugo is treated as a medical benefit requiring provider purchase and subjecting patients to cost-sharing like co-payments or deductibles; patient preference for daily oral PrEP pills over twice-yearly in-office injections; and concerns about injection-site nodules. Providers also note limited telehealth access, as services like MISTR decline to offer Yeztugo until a 'critical mass' of insurers reimburse both the drug and its pharmacy administration.

How does Yeztugo's prescription volume compare to other PrEP options in the U.S. as of the first quarter of this year?

In the first quarter of this year, approximately 9,000 prescriptions were written for Yeztugo, compared with around 461,000 for Descovy, 32,000 for Apretude, and 4,400 for Truvada—indicating Yeztugo’s early adoption remains modest relative to established oral and injectable PrEP options, and overall weekly PrEP prescription volume has not increased.

Use of Gilead's HIV Prevention Shot Rises, But US Insurance Gaps Remain

May 5, 2026

Gilead Sciences' HIV prevention injection Yeztugo sees rising usage since launch, though insurance coverage gaps and high costs hinder widespread adoption compared to daily pills. Analysts project annual sales could reach $5 billion by 2032.

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